Dirt & Trail SEPTEMBER 2022

The character and behaviour of a bikes chassis is determined by
many factors, including the geometry, specific rigidity balance of
each separate component, and the way the components interact
with each other. A significant change for 2023 is the relocation of
the joint between the tank rails and head pipe, which is now 15mm
lower than previously – and the joint between the frame tubing that
connects the tank rails to the downtube has also been lowered by the
same amount.
Other important changes include increasing the rigidity of the
downtube as well as the cross tube and swingarm pivot area – and
the new frame now features a 4mm thick steel front engine mount
with three through bolts – as opposed to an 8mm thick aluminium
engine mount with one through bolt.
Compact, slim bodywork
The YZ450F is equipped with completely new ‘Horizontal Movement’
bodywork that gives this flagship motocross machine a sleek and
tight new look. Every single exterior panel is redesigned, and the
result is a slimmer and more compact body with a seamless and
rounded finish.
A new fresh air supply route to the intake enables the elimination
of the front air ducts, and this has allowed the fitment of much
more compact shrouds with a reduced width of 50mm, as well as a
narrower new fuel tank – giving a much slimmer centre section.
The compact front fender is matched by a new shorter rear fender,
and together with the new seat, air filter cover and fuel tank, the
YZ450F has a flatter horizontal profile and a much shorter front to
rear body length. New sidepanels and fork guards complete the new
look.
Revised rider triangle
The relative positions of all three elements of the rider triangle –
namely the seat, handlebars and footrests – have been changed.
The seat height is increased by 5mm and features a much flatter
surface. Another change is the more rounded profile of the seat’s
left and right sides, making lateral body movement easier and more
comfortable.
Footrests are now positioned 5mm lower, giving a total increase of
10mm in legroom to accommodate larger riders, and the 4-position
adjustable handlebars are moved to give a more natural riding
position – while the rubber handlebar mounts ensure riding comfort.
Updated KYB front and rear suspension valving
R 1
14
4,
R2
R
New suspension valving and for easier set up the KYB forks are
equipped with a hand-adjustable compression damping adjuster.
Riders can now access clear information and recommendations on
suspension settings via the Power Tuner app on their smartphone,
taking the guesswork out of adjustments.
Improved rear brake feel
The new model is equipped with a new rear hose with reduced
rigidity that improves the balance of the brake input and gives the
rider more accurate control.
R
S1
10
43
R
R1
New adjustable Traction Control System
This electronic control system offers two levels of assistance as well
as an OFF function, and by preventing the machine losing traction
entirely it enables the rider to fully concentrate on the track ahead.
The YZ450F’s new Traction Control System is controled via the
Power Tuner app, enabling the rider to select their own preferred
degree of intervention to match track conditions, changing weather
and skill level.
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R
13
2
R
R
B